The program for the Shire of Toodyay’s Festival of Food 2010 is now out! From 10am to 4pm, you get to enjoy a vast array of activities promising you a whole day of fun and laughter.

Check out more than 25 stalls of food, drinks and local produce – Elmar’s in the Valley, Bee Happy Honey, Churro Central, Andy’s Bratwurst Hut, WA Pistachios and many more!

Come see Reality TV Chef Kate Rodrigues at 11.05am and 1.15pm. Watch local businesses battle it out for the title of Toodyay’s Top Chef.

View the full program, activities and maps on the Shire of Toodyay’s Festival of Food 2010 e-brochure (483kb).

Toodyay had a triple celebration last month with the relaunch of the Shire Library, Connor’s Mill and Newcastle Gaol.

The Minister of Moore attended the functions to officially launch the buildings, which have undergone unique transformations for the benefit of community members and visitors to the Town.

Changes -

• Toodyay Public Library: RFID checkout technology, increased Internet facilities, plasma displays and interior enchancements
• Connor’s Mill: Upper floor opened, new displays featuring Agriculture theme, external lighting to enhance night beauty
• Newcastle Gaol: Elimination of dampness on walls, historic work equipment installed outside of building, upgraded displays and new temporary exhibition area

Also worth noting is the return of the “Crime and Punishment” – one of Newcastle Gaol’s well-known exhibitions. It features the chance to become convicts for a day – experience rules, mock punishments and wear convict uniform of the 1850s. The exhibition focuses on the life of convicts in the Shire, as well as some of Toodyay’s notorious criminals. A great experience for students. The exhibition will run from 15 April to 15 June 2010. Call the Gaol for details at 9574 2435.

Be sure to check them out if you’re in the area.

Toodyay Public Library – 96 Stirling Terrace
Connor’s Mill – corner Stirling Terrace and Harper Road
Newcastle Gaol – Clinton Street

Information and pictures published here is with courtesy of the Shire of Toodyay.

Boshack has preserved the real Australia of pioneering times. It’s unique and pristine.

A magical place where emotions of wonderment and admiration evolve as the meander through the special places begins.

An important reminder of the heritage of pioneering settlers and the aborigines before them, it’s nature’s shrine to their lives.

The bush areas remain untouched, and authentic structures replicate early shelters built from found timber and natural brush thatching just as the pioneers constructed them.

Hear of their Spartan diet provided by living off the land. They learned how to utilize natural bush tucker such as nuts, seeds and roots to supplement the native animals they caught. Times were difficult and how enterprising and resourceful they had to be to survive.

The Boshack experience walks you back in time and for part of a day you can see, feel and absorb the peace of the Australian bush and only imagine and admire the resourcefulness displayed by our forebears as they settled the district.

The owners have developed a wonderful tour following the natural trails through the bush highlighting the features and species of flora in their native environs. Informed and descriptive commentary on the local wildlife makes the walks interesting.

Contemplate the serenity of the beautiful freshwater lake and its wild birds as you canoe and drink in the calming atmosphere on the water. No excursion is complete without refreshments and the tastes of the food the early pioneers and a hearty Aussie bush barbeque lunch and afternoon tea as part of a perfect package.

A day at Boshack offers a new perspective on eco tourism and a rare peek back in time with custodians who respect and love the bush and welcome the chance to share an unforgettable experience.

- Written by local correspondent Gwenda Mcgill